PHOTOS: Event honors fallen police officers

Thursday evening marked a time of remembrance of Miami-Dade police officers who have died in the line of duty.

With a flame flickering in the wind and flags flying at half-staff, Miami-Dade County's fallen officers were honored.

A memorial wall at Tropical Park bears the names of 137 officers.

This year's event made a special tribute to Tony Koga, who received a severe brain injury during a police chase in 1987. He survived until last year.

"We did have him for 25 years, but it wasn't the way he wanted his life to be," said his mother, Beverly Schwab.

The service also recognized Local 10 News legend Dwight Lauderdale, who has emceed the event for more than two decades.

Thursday was his last appearance, and he passed the master of ceremonies torch to Local 10 crime specialist John Turchin.

Lauderdale and Turchin have nearly 70 years of broadcasting experience between them, but they said that by far, the biggest honor of their careers is to recognize those who work to protect the South Florida community each day.

Only if all goes well do the police officers get to return home.

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